In the high tech, Internet based world we live in today, it can be easy to
forget that the old standbys of businesses are just as important as they were
ten years ago. Sure, people are more likely to make initial contact with the
piece of property you have for sale while surfing the Web than they would driving
along the streets; it is just second nature to Google up a few homes today when
thinking about moving. However, as any good real estate Riverdale blog will
tell you, the appearance of your home is as important today as it has ever been.
Let's take a look at some of the most important areas to look at when
you are trying to make Toronto homes appealing to those looking from the curb, either
driving by or looking at pictures on the Internet.
First of all, you will want to make sure that your home does not look dated
to those viewing from the outside. You might have had everything renovated inside,
looking like a true 21st century oasis, but if they see 1970s on the outside
they will assume the same inside. Get rid of rock siding in favour of stucco
or strips, and make sure everything's a decent colour!
Next, make sure that the outside features of your home are in good repair.
Pay special attention to the roof; a good rule of thumb is that a roof should
be replaced every 15 years or so. Loose shingles, stationary whirly birds, and
old chimneys can all detract from the outside appearance of your house. Either
buy some sling ropes and start on the project yourself, or hire a contractor
to come and take care of your roofing needs for you.
Cleanliness will be the next most important thing on your curb appeal check
list. If you have children, make sure they pick up their toys after an outside
play session. Houses on the corners of cul de sacs tend to accumulate a lot
of blown in debris, and you will have to clean that up once a week or so. Rake
up any leaves, sweep the driveway and the decks, clean your gutters and snake
your roof drain while you're up there!
Finally, take a good look at what your landscaping says about your home. A
lot of people are interested in a house that gives off a sense of beauty that
they can really work with. A trip to a store that sells growers supplies
will quickly give you a lot of ideas about what can be done with the green space
around your house; often sprucing up the look of the place can be as easy as
planting petunias down the side of the driveway.
Once you have completed all your curb appeal projects, take a few pictures
of your house in its most pristine condition. These will fit in well with any
realtor web design plan when you list your house on the Internet; it gives your
agent something concrete to market.
While statistics may show that more buyers get their first glance of their
future home online rather than from the street, there is by no means any reason
to think the value of curb appeal is dead. You still need to impress the viewing
public and those who put your home on a short list with the exterior appearance
of your home.
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